Fusion Conference

Thanks for registering for Fusion 2025!

On behalf of the Fusion Team, the Faculty of Science, and the School of Accounting & Finance—thank you for making this year’s Fusion a success. We couldn’t have done it without you.

We hope to see you again next year!

Fusion 2025 is an annual conference that brings together the worlds of science, business, and technology under one bold theme.

At Fusion, we believe in more than just great ideas. We’re committed to:

  • Empowering students to sharpen their soft skills
  • Encouraging innovative, outside-the-box thinking
  • Building meaningful connections between students and industry leaders

Fusion 2025 is hosted by the Faculty of Science and the School of Accounting and Finance - an innovative partnership at the University of Waterloo

Gavin Duggan

Keynote Speaker: Gavin Duggan, PhD

This year’s keynote speaker, Gavin Duggan, will bring deep insights from both scientific research and innovation in the global tech sector, offering students a unique perspective on translating academic discovery into industry impact.

Gavin Duggan, PhD, is a Senior Software Engineer at Google with expertise in machine learning, large-scale computational systems, and network analytics. With a background spanning computational biochemistry and applied mathematics, he brings cross-disciplinary insights to complex data challenges in biology, technology, and beyond. Outside of his professional work, Gavin is well known in the Magic: The Gathering community as a co-founder of the Commander Rules Committee and creator of innovative game variants

Why Attend Fusion?

Meet industry leaders, gain real-world insights, and grow your network. Fusion connects you with panelists, consultants, and judges who can inspire your career and open doors to future opportunities.

Panelists

Jesse Kancir

Dr. Jesse Kancir, MD

Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health, Nova Scotia

This year, Fusion is hosting an engaging panel discussion featuring industry leaders from science, business, and technology. Hear diverse perspectives, explore real-world challenges, and gain valuable insights.

Consultants

Mike Young

Mike Young

Partner, Deloitte

Throughout the day, Fusion’s roaming consultants will be available to guide teams, answer questions, and share expert insights. They’re here to help you sharpen your ideas and bring real-world perspectives into your solutions.

Judges

Simone Harrington

Simone Harrington, MBA

VP Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners

Our judges bring expertise to evaluate your ideas, provide constructive feedback, and celebrate innovative solutions. Their insights not only shape the competition but also give you valuable guidance for your future career.

Conference Themes

Microscope

From Lab to Market

Translating research discoveries into practical applications

Protection

Bridging the Health Gap

Addressing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes

Teamwork

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Combining expertise across different fields of study

Student Case Competition

Interdisciplinary teams tackle a real challenge, mentored by industry advisors. Teams synthesize insights across science, business, and technology to propose practical, scalable solutions.

  • Open to all Waterloo students (Science, Health, Arts, Engineering, Mathematics, and Environment)
  • Team formation support and briefing materials provided
  • Prizes awarded

Sample Day-at-a-glance

  • 8:30 – 9:00 AM — Registration & Morning Coffee

  • 9:00 – 9:15 AM — Welcome & Opening Remarks

  • 9:15 – 10:00 AM — Keynote Address + Challenge Briefing

  • 10:00 – 11:30 PM — Team Work Session (Breakouts)

  • 11:30 – 12:30 PM — Working Lunch

  • 12:45 – 1:30 PM — Live Pitches

  • 1:45 – 2:15 PM  — Panel 

  • 2:30 – 3:35 PM — Final Presentations

  • 3:45 – 3:50 PM — Judges’ Deliberation

  • 4:00 – 4:30 PM — Awards & Open Networking

Come for the insight. Stay for the impact.

It’s not just about attending,  it’s about leaving with new skills, new connections, and a new way of thinking about the future of health tech.

Date

Saturday November 15, 2025

Time

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
 

Location School of Accounting and Finance
Hagey Hall, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1

Reach out for Questions!

For any questions about Fusion Conference 2025, please reach out to us at fusion@uwaterloo.ca. You may also contact Luke Balch (luke.balch@uwaterloo.ca) for additional support.

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